Visit
Visit Visa & eTA
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Visit Visa (Temporary Resident Visa TRV)
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A Visit Visa, which is also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is normally issued to foreign nationals who meet the requirements to enter Canada. Most travelers can stay by to 6 months unless otherwise determined by the officer at the Port of Entry (POE).
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Before proceeding, you need to make sure whether you need a Visit Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. This is normally determined based on:
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the type of travel document
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the country that issued the travel document
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Nationality
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Method of travel to Canada for this trip
Eligibility Criteria
As a visitor, you must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa including:
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have a valid travel document, like a passport
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be in good health
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have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
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convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
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convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
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have enough money for your stay depending on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.
You may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
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Inadmissibility
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Some people are not allowed to enter Canada due to inadmissibility. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:
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Criminal activity
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Human rights violations
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Organized crime
You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons
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Visitor Record
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To extend your stay in Canada as a visitor (stay in Canada longer), you need to apply before your current status expires. In case if the application is approved, you will be issued a document called Visitor Record, which is a document that says how long you can stay in Canada and includes an expiry date.
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Note that this record does not guarantee you entry to Canada in case if you decided to leave the country during the extended stay.
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The application for a Visitor Record is normally done online, but in cases of disability or encountering a problem while applying online, a paper-based application can be submitted.
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Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
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An eTA is required for all visa-exempt foreign nationals, except the United States (U.S.) citizens and certain other small groups. Therefore, it is advisable before proceeding with the travel arrangements to check whether you need an eTA or you are exempt.
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Basic requirements to enter Canada
To visit Canada, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements, such as:
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have a valid travel document, such as a passport
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have a valid eTA or visitor visa
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be in good health
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have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
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convince a border services officer (BSO) that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
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convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
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have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)
Inadmissibility
An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents – for example, a U.S. Green Card. You must convince the officer that you’re eligible for entry to Canada.
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Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, human rights violations, or in organized crime. You can also be inadmissible for security, health, or financial reasons.
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Super Visa
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The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (Super Visa) is a temporary resident permit that allows parents and grandparents to stay for up to 2 years in Canada per visit. It is valid for up to 10 years. A regular multiple-entry visa is also valid for up to 10 years, but only allows stays of up to 6 months per visit.
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Eligibility criteria
An applicant is eligible for a super visa if they meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada as a visitor and provide the additional required documentation. Specifically, they must provide the following:
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proof of their relationship to the child or grandchild (who must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
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proof of a medical examination and of being admissible on health grounds.
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Evidence of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company valid for a minimum period of 1 year from the date of entry.
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a letter of invitation written and signed by the host child or grandchild promising financial support for the entire duration the applicant intends to stay in Canada.
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evidence of the child’s or grandchild’s means of providing financial support through meeting the low-income cut-off (LICO) minimum (a co-signer may be added to meet the LICO minimum).
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